עֲטָרָה (a.ta.rah)
a.ta.rah
crown
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun aṭārâ refers to a crown or wreath, typically worn as a symbol of honor and distinction. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears nineteen times, with significant usage in Proverbs, Isaiah, and Zechariah. The word describes both physical headpieces made of precious materials and the metaphorical weight of dignity they represent.
While often translated simply as "crown," the term carries a specific nuance of glory that is bestowed upon individuals or nations. For instance, Proverbs 16:31 describes gray hair as a crown of splendor when found in the way of righteousness, linking age and wisdom to honored status. Similarly, Isaiah 28:5 portrays the Lord as a crown of glory for the remnant of His people.
This word distinguishes itself by emphasizing visible recognition rather than royal authority alone. Unlike terms that strictly denote kingly power, aṭārâ frequently highlights the beauty and honor associated with a righteous life or divine favor. It serves as a tangible reminder that true worth is often reflected in how one is regarded by God and community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aṭārâ points to more than just jewelry; it signifies visible honor and distinction. In Scripture, a crown often represents dignity bestowed by God or earned through faithful living. It reminds us that our worth is not found in worldly status but in how we walk with Him and care for others.
This word invites us to look at life differently. A wise person’s riches are their integrity, and children bring joy to their grandparents like a cherished crown. Even in times of loss or sin, when crowns fall, there is hope. God Himself becomes a crown of glory for His people, restoring what was lost and offering beauty where there was shame.
Whether we face pride or humility, this concept encourages us to seek honor that lasts. It is not about self-promotion but about reflecting God’s character. When we live righteously, we wear the invisible crown of a clear conscience and divine favor, which outshines any gold or precious stone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] crown of7×
- a crown<s>2×
- a crown of2×
- on the/ crown1×
- and/ the/ crown<s>1×
- and/ a crown of1×
- [is] a crown of1×
- [is] [the] crown of1×
- [is the] crown of1×
- [are the] crown of1×
- <into>/ a crown of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲטֶ֣רֶת6×
- עֲטֶֽרֶת\־2×
- עֲטֶ֥רֶת2×
- עֲטֶ֖רֶת2×
- עֲטָר֣וֹת1×
- עֲטָר֑וֹת1×
- עֲטֶ֤רֶת1×
- לַ/עֲטֶ֣רֶת1×
- וַ/עֲטֶ֤רֶת1×
- וְ/הָ/עֲטָרֹ֗ת1×
- בָּ/עֲטָרָ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
This verse redefines honor by linking gray hair to righteousness, showing that true glory comes from a life lived with integrity rather than external power.
-
Isaiah 28:5
In that day, Yahweh of Armies will become a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the residue of his people,
Here the word describes God Himself as a crown of glory for His remnant, highlighting that divine favor is the highest form of distinction available to believers.
-
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents.
This occurrence uses the term metaphorically to describe grandchildren as the crowning joy of older adults, emphasizing family legacy and relational blessing.
-
Lamentations 5:16
The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
The falling of the crown here illustrates the profound sorrow of national sin, showing how loss of honor is a direct consequence of turning away from God.
-
Zechariah 6:11
Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
The command to make crowns for Joshua the high priest connects this word to sacred office, suggesting that leadership in God’s community carries a weight of holy responsibility.